Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky from Scotland, bottled at 46% ABV and non-chill filtered. It is aged in a combination of first-fill, refill and recharred American oak casks, then finished in Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso and Palo Cortado sherry casks sourced from Spain. Established in 1812, Royal Brackla became the first Scotch distillery granted a Royal Warrant, awarded by King William IV in 1833. Suggested retail price is $293.33 for a 750ml bottle.
A sesame oil note gives the spirit more complexity via a mix of sweet and savory elements, leading to a more soothing, rounded finish, with Brackla’s characteristic booziness finally tempered here. A handful of crushed almonds round out a satisfying conclusion.
The nose leads with fruity, floral and damp pipe tobacco, backed by ginger cookies. The flavor layers that up with rum-soaked raisins and a dollop of vanilla. The finish is long, but faint. It’s the main deficiency in what is otherwise a flavorful and sophisticated dram, since it’s not substantial enough to make me want to sit with it for a spell.
This is an excellent sipping whisky that has a nice progression from richer flavors to a light finish. The finish won’t be for everyone with flavors that are a tad funky and almost beer-like. I think this new offering from Royal Brackla does a good job of representing the history of its distillery.
